Hazelnut Dream Mini Cheesecakes

These Hazelnut Dream Mini Cheesecakes are an indulgent treat featuring a rich, creamy cheesecake base with a subtle hazelnut flavor and a crunchy hazelnut crust. Topped with a smooth layer of chocolate ganache and more hazelnuts, these mini cheesecakes are a perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Hazelnut Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Hazelnut Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish:

• Whole hazelnuts, toasted (for garnish)
• Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Mini Cheesecake Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Line a 12-cup mini cheesecake pan (or muffin tin) with paper liners or grease each cup with cooking spray.
2. Make the Hazelnut Crust:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped hazelnuts, sugar, and salt.
   • Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated.
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each mini cheesecake cup. Use the back of a spoon to press the crumbs down firmly to form a crust.
   • Bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re slightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Hazelnut Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the sour cream and powdered sugar, and continue mixing until smooth.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract, hazelnut spread, and heavy cream until fully incorporated. The filling should be smooth and creamy.
4. Fill the Cheesecakes:
   • Spoon the cheesecake filling into each cup, dividing the mixture evenly. Fill the cups about 3/4 full.
   • Smooth the tops with a spatula.
   • Bake the mini cheesecakes for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
   • Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set fully.
5. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
   • Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth.
   • Stir in the butter until melted and the ganache is glossy. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cooled cheesecakes.
6. Assemble the Hazelnut Dream Mini Cheesecakes:
   • Once the cheesecakes are fully chilled, remove them from the pan.
   • Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each cheesecake.
   • Garnish with whole toasted hazelnuts and optional shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Your Hazelnut Dream Mini Cheesecakes are ready to be served! These mini cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and full of decadent hazelnut flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Toasting Hazelnuts: Toast the hazelnuts by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Let them cool before using them in the recipe.
• Make Ahead: These cheesecakes can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more after chilling.
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze them. Once fully chilled, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Nutella Substitution: If you prefer a stronger hazelnut flavor, feel free to add more hazelnut spread to the cheesecake filling, or swirl a little Nutella into the ganache for a double dose of hazelnut goodness.

These Hazelnut Dream Mini Cheesecakes are a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, crunchy hazelnut crust, and rich chocolate ganache. They’re ideal for holiday parties, dessert tables, or simply a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the dreamy combination of hazelnut and chocolate in each delicious bite!